Lorraine Williamson
Andalucia is moving to crack down on dangerous behaviour during emergencies. A new decree, unveiled this week by the regional government, sets out fines for those who enter the sea under a red flag or refuse to evacuate when ordered during wildfires or floods.
The measures come after a deadly summer that saw 63 drownings and 169 deaths linked to heatwaves across the region.
Antonio Sanz, Andalucia’s minister for the presidency and interior, described the decree as a pioneering step, noting that Madrid has yet to pass a national emergency law despite three years of debate. The new rules are part of a broader safety strategy and will take full effect by summer 2026, when wildfire danger traditionally peaks.
Hefty penalties for risky behaviour
Until now, swimming under a red flag or ignoring evacuation orders was banned but not punishable. The decree changes that. Municipalities may impose fines of up to €3,000 for red flag violations, while refusal to leave during floods or wildfires will also be sanctioned. Officials say the move is designed to protect rescue teams, who are often put at risk by those ignoring safety warnings. Final penalty levels will be set when the legislation is published.
New rules for towns, festivals and tall buildings
The decree also places fresh obligations on local authorities and event organisers. Municipalities must upload emergency plans to a central digital register to speed up access for rescue services. Organisers of public gatherings must clearly mark exits, escape routes and safe assembly points.
Large religious processions and pilgrimages—defined as more than 100 people or over 10 kilometres—will now require formal emergency and intervention plans. So too will buildings over nine storeys, where evacuation is more complex.
Safety campaigns and school education
The Junta will roll out a major awareness drive in partnership with broadcaster RTVA and other media outlets. The campaign aims to inform citizens of their new responsibilities and encourage a culture of prevention.
Children will also be targeted through educational resources explaining, in simple and engaging ways, how to act in floods, fires and other emergencies. The project forms part of Andalucia’s Integrated Emergency and Crisis Management Plan (PIGEA), which has been allocated €17 million.
Expanding fire defence infrastructure
The decree is backed by investment in emergency facilities. Three new wildfire defence centres (Cedefos) will open in Seville, Cádiz and Málaga later this year. They will be equipped with helicopters, vehicles and training grounds. Two new coordination hubs (Cecopi) are planned for Huelva and Jaén, alongside a mobile command post in Benahavís. Authorities hope the upgrades will accelerate response times and strengthen coordination during large-scale incidents.
Building a culture of responsibility
Regional leaders argue the message is simple: reckless acts endanger lives and strain emergency services. As Sanz underlined: “We must put an end to the stream of fatalities. A red flag means no swimming.”
Spain faces worst summer drowning toll in a decade
The decree, once enacted, will mark the first time Andalucia has legal sanctions specifically tied to disobeying red flags and evacuation orders—a shift designed to save lives in a region increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat and natural disasters.